Lesson 1: What Is Web Development?

Welcome to the first module of the Web Development for Beginners course! This module lays the foundation for your web development journey by introducing key concepts and tools. By the end of this module, you’ll understand how websites work and be ready to start coding.

What Are Websites?

Websites are collections of files hosted on servers, which are accessed through browsers (like Chrome or Firefox). Each website has three main building blocks:

1. HTML – The structure or skeleton of the site.
2. CSS – The styling or appearance.
3. JavaScript – The interactivity or functionality.

Example:
Think of a website as a house:

• HTML is the structure—walls, doors, windows.
• CSS is the design—paint colors, furniture, decor.
• JavaScript adds life—automated doors, smart lighting.

Frontend vs. Backend Development

• Frontend Development involves everything you see on a website. It’s what this course focuses on (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
• Backend Development manages the server, databases, and application logic.

Example:
When you use a food delivery website:

• Frontend: You see the menu and add items to your cart.
• Backend: The system processes your order and notifies the restaurant.

How Do Websites Work?

When you type a website’s URL into a browser:

1. The browser sends a request to the server hosting the website.
2. The server sends the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files to your browser.
3. Your browser interprets these files to display the website.

Types of Websites Built in Web Development

• Static Websites: Simple, fixed content that doesn’t change dynamically.
• Dynamic Websites: Content changes based on user interactions or data (e.g., social media platforms).
• E-commerce Websites: Enable online shopping and transactions (e.g., Amazon).
• Web Applications: More interactive and functional, like Gmail or Google Docs.

Skills Needed for Web Development

• Programming Languages: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and server-side languages.
• Version Control: Tools like Git to track changes in the code.
• Frameworks: Libraries like React, Angular, or Laravel to speed up development.
• Problem-Solving: Debugging and optimizing for user experience.
• SEO Knowledge: Ensuring websites are discoverable by search engines.